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Biomass to Biochar for Farm Bioeconomy (BBFB)

Geographical location
Ireland
Main geographical location (NUTS3)
Mid-West
Other geographical locations (NUTS3)
West
Keywords
Agricultural production system
Farming practice
Farming equipment and machinery
Fertilisation and nutrients management
Soil management / functionality
Energy management
Waste, by-products and residues management
Biodiversity and nature management
Farming / forestry competitiveness and diversification
Additional keywords
biochar
carbon sequestration
circular economy
soil fertility
waste management
biomass
carbon footprint
Main funding source
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)
Project type
Operational group
Starting date
2018
End date
2021
Project status
Ongoing
Title (in English): 
Biomass to Biochar for Farm Bioeconomy (BBFB)
Objective of the project (native language): 

The project aims to pilot the conversion of unutilised agricultural biomass, arising from management of pasture with rushes (Juncus spp.) and other problem species into stable forms of recalcitrant biocarbon which can, when redeployed to the soil, confer multiple ecosystem benefits, driving an innovative bio-economy on and off the farm. A cutting-edge Mobile Pyrolysis Unit will be built and tested to produce biochar on-site with farmers who will act as producers and end-users. In doing so, this initiative will demonstrate a methodology for Irish agriculture to develop a carbon-neutral approach to the management of undesirable biomass while at the same time increasing farm productivity.

Objective of the project (in English): 

The project aims to pilot the conversion of unutilised agricultural biomass, arising from management of pasture with rushes (Juncus spp.) and other problem species into stable forms of recalcitrant biocarbon which can, when redeployed to the soil, confer multiple ecosystem benefits, driving an innovative bio-economy on and off the farm. A cutting-edge Mobile Pyrolysis Unit will be built and tested to produce biochar on-site with farmers who will act as producers and end-users. In doing so, this initiative will demonstrate a methodology for Irish agriculture to develop a carbon-neutral approach to the management of undesirable biomass while at the same time increasing farm productivity.

Description of activities (native language): 

 

The project activities are as follows:

Designing, building and testing MPU.

Coordination of biomass harvesting among multiple farmers/landowners.

On-site processing of biomass to biochar.

Quality Control, laboratory analysis. Testing of pre-processing and post-processing samples.

Development of marketing strategy including research, marketing and end uses of accredited biochar.

Undertaking life-cycle analysis.

Communication and international technology transfer. Website and digital media resources, reports, demonstration activities, final conference.

Description of activities (in English): 

The project activities are as follows:

Designing, building and testing MPU.

Coordination of biomass harvesting among multiple farmers/landowners.

On-site processing of biomass to biochar.

Quality Control, laboratory analysis. Testing of pre-processing and post-processing samples.

Development of marketing strategy including research, marketing and end uses of accredited biochar.

Undertaking life-cycle analysis.

Communication and international technology transfer. Website and digital media resources, reports, demonstration activities, final conference.

Total budget: 
998397
Project coordinator
Contact person: 
Bernard Carey
Address: 
Derryconn Upper, Mountshannon, Co Clare
E-mail: 
loughdergcharcoal@gmail.com
Phone: 
00353 86 6014717
Partner category: 
Adviser
Practice summary
Further details
Description of the context of the project: 

In Ireland, biomass which is not utilised for livestock feeding occupies a large area of agricultural land. This biomass consists primarily of rushes (Juncus spp.), as well as Bracken (Pteridium), Furze (Ulex spp.), Hazel, (Corylus) and Heather (Calluna). These biomass streams require no husbandry to produce; however, considerable expenditure is spent annually on their control (i.e. cutting and disposal), either by chemical or mechanical means to ensure compliance with EU grant schemes and for conservation purposes under GLAS. This leads to the widespread use of chemical herbicides and the production of an unwanted biomass stream.

 

There are a number of direct economic and managerial reasons for farmers to control undesirable vegetation; sustaining the landscape, biodiversity and grazing interest whilst meeting the EU conditional criteria for grazing in the subsequent season, and achieving the entitlement payment. These payments are essential to sustain the rural culture, economy and farming activity on areas of less productive land.

 

In this context the challenges this project addresses are:

To control weed species that undermine pasture management and produce problem biomass

To collect problem biomass, often in difficult wetlands and uplands, and dispose of it safely.

To create useful biochar products from a diverse range of problem biomass species

To demonstrate the immediate value of the biochar to farmers, in their agri-business and in their local environment.

To provide a convincing argument for the wider benefits of biochar production from problem biomass streams for Irish agriculture at the national scale and in the long term, for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

 

Additional information: 

The expected results and practical recommendations from this project are:

Value added to currently unutilised and nuisance biomass for the first time by producing biochar, a carbon resource for the farm.
Development of an innovative, farm-scale mobile pyrolysis system designed and built in Ireland
The promotion of the use of biochar in soils to improve soil structure, alkalinity, CEC, natural pH adjustment capability.
The demonstration of a methodology for Irish agriculture to develop a carbon-negative approach to the management of undesirable biomass by sequestering carbon in soils, thus reducing national GHG emissions

QC data on the characterisation of biochar to ensure appropriate end use.

Generation of economic opportunities from biochar producer to end user.
Creation of additional income streams at farm level, encouraging landowners to manage previously neglected land.

Reduction of extensive use of herbicides through cutting and harvesting of biomass resulting in better water quality

Farmer collaboration to achieve improved management of on-farm biomass

Development of new collaborative partnership between the Biochar Coop, farmers, engineers, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions in achieving shared learning and innovation.

Sharing best practice at local, national and international level.

Cooperation with other EU areas in the management of on-farm biomass, the production of biochar and the sequestration of atmospheric carbon.

The undertaking of Life Cycle Analysis to track the carbon cost and benefits.

          The undertaking of an economic appraisal of the process